A Year in Review: VCN’s 2023 Annual Report
Thanks to highly coordinated efforts and despite political headwinds, VCN — in our role as the strategic facilitator of our 150+ Network Partners — was successful in holding onto major environmental and climate policy successes from the last few years while celebrating historic investments in conservation funding through the budget.
Our Annual Report reviews Virginia Conservation Network’s work from Spring 2022 to Winter 2023. While it feels almost impossible to cover everything we worked on last year in only a few pages, we did our best to squeeze in the highlights, including:
- our strategy to advance conservation initiatives year-round,
- our policy gains and challenges through the General Assembly session and beyond,
- our Network Partner engagement events,
- and more.
As we sent this annual report to the printer, we learned of the tragic loss of our Clean Energy & Climate Justice Policy Manager, Shawn Soares, on May 4th, 2023. Shawn was committed to devoting his career to bettering the Commonwealth and was a rising star in the climate movement. We are dedicating this annual report to him and are committed to working in his honor moving forward.
Read more of our recent updates from our blog:
Bill of the Day: Gold Mining
HB2113 hits the pause button on a proposed open-pit gold mine in Buckingham County in order for state agencies to review the water quality and public health impact from this large-scale mining operation.
2021 Post-Crossover Update
Believe it or not, as of this weekend we have reached "crossover" - the day that bills introduced and passed in one chamber of the General Assembly "cross over" to be voted on by the other. VCN provides you an update on the remaining conservation bills this short session.
Bill of the Day: Reducing Plastic Waste
Plastics are now found in our air, water, and soil. Our elected officials need to enact efficient waste reduction policies and reduce waste generation to protect Virginia from the scourge of plastic litter.
Bill of the Day: Safe Walking & Biking
VCN supports HB1841, HB1903, and HB2262 in order to make biking and walking both safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Bill of the Day: Clean Car Standards
During this session of the General Assembly, Virginia has its best opportunity in years to advance transportation electrification through Clean Car Standards (HB1965) which will expand consumer car choice, keep automobile jobs in Virginia, reduce air pollution from transportation emissions, and improve human health.
Bill of the Day: Electric Utility Rate Reform
Electric utility rate reform legislation will protect consumers and restore oversight authority to regulators. Without, Virginians will lose out on refunds for the $500 million in overcharges by Dominion Energy since 2017 and regulators may not be able to lower over-charged electric bills.